Interdisciplinary integration between IR & IL serves theoretical innovation. Photo: TUCHONG

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International relations (IR) and international law (IL) share common concerns that allow for effective scientific guidance and evaluation. There are many overlapping areas in the research focal points of the two fields. A critical approach to integrating the two involves exploring mainstream methodologies unique to each field and conducting a comparative analysis. This is also an indispensable pathway for advancing the study of these two disciplines. The methods employed in IR are diverse, while the study of IL similarly encompasses different levels of understanding, typically categorized into four levels: describing, interpreting, examining, and transforming the world.

Four modes 

In terms of methods, IL emphasizes four modes. The first is empirical research (describing the world), which involves the analysis and interpretation of legal norms, especially the connotations of legal provisions, and summarizing and generalizing legal practices.

The second mode is attribution analysis (interpreting the world), which is the study of causal and correlation relations. At this level, in addition to the basic methods of logic, sociological methods will be used. It primarily places IL within the international community, considering why IL is as it is, including the dynamics of power and historical rhythm behind international legislation, the basic state and laws of IL within the global community, and the potential future development trends of IL. In that liberal institutionalism discusses the mutual influence of various subjective and objective factors, it regards the entity of IR as an active and rational thinker capable of altering behaviors through learning and communication, and an agent entity that constantly optimizes and improves behaviors through trial and error, until the institution is used to promote and fix cooperation, safeguard interests and ensure security. When scholars of IR consider the subjective shaping of major countries and issues related to the Belt and Road Initiative, they may encounter methods of IL.

The third mode is value analysis (examining the world). The traditional “school of natural law” is essentially a value analysis method of IL. A distinct feature of this approach is establishing a set of values for IL and using this system to scrutinize the norms, organizations, structures and operation modes of IL. Based on this scrutiny, it identifies existing problems and flaws in IL, or historically analyzes and explains which concepts and practices are increasingly aligned with these values, and which areas and practices run counter to these value objectives. In the field of IR, many research models are based on value analysis.

The fourth mode is countermeasure analysis (transforming the world). IL research emphasizes a problem-oriented approach, focusing on theoretical controversies and practical dilemmas. Many theoretical studies in the field of IR share this characteristic, but they are generally based on traditional qualitative observations and thought processes, lacking a comparative systematic school of thought, and seldom involving effective ethical logic construction or ethical pathway design.

Mutual promotion

It is important to identify the methods and areas where the disciplines can be integrated and mutually promotional. Since IR and IL are distinct disciplines, they each possess unique characteristics in their respective domains and methodologies. By identifying these characteristics and determining the aspects where integration is challenging, we can better delineate the boundaries between the two fields, enabling clearer definition and proper development of each. After understanding the non-overlapping parts of the two, we can more clearly and deeply observe where the two disciplines can intersect in their research topics and methods.

Specifically, there are several common starting points: first, assessing a nation’s status within the international community; second, using better models and means to safeguard national interests and enhance a country’s influence; third, defining a well-ordered international society, establishing global equity and justice, and finding ways to actualize these ideals. In summary, the soul and distinctive characteristics of the interdisciplinary integration research of IR and IL are reflected in the shared exploration of common topics, issues and problems.

He Zhipeng is a professor from the School of Law at Jilin University.

Edited by ZHAO YUAN